The combustion of hydrocarbons is a chemical reaction in which a hydrocarbon burns in the presence of oxygen to release energy in the form of heat and sometimes light. During this process, the hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water if there is enough oxygen (complete combustion), or carbon monoxide, soot, and water if oxygen is limited (incomplete combustion).
It is an exothermic reaction, which is why hydrocarbons are widely used as fuels. Complete combustion gives a clean flame and maximum energy, while incomplete combustion can produce smoke and toxic gases.
Hydrocarbons like alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes all undergo combustion, but the amount of oxygen they require depends on the ratio of hydrogen to carbon in the molecule.